Mike Tainer's final Mock Draft has us taking Eli Apple and Sterling Shepard. Yes please, may I have another?

[nctarheel0619]

The Panthers secondary went from a strength to a weakness after Josh Norman's departure. Carolina hasn’t drafted a defensive back in the first three rounds since it selected Sherrod Martin in 2009.

Norman was a fifth-round small-school steal in 2012. Bene Benwikere (fifth round, 2014, injured during the playoff run last year) now leads a colorful cast of irregulars at cornerback: Brandon Boykin, Teddy Williams and the immortal Ras-I Dowling.

Eli Apple is tall, tough, experienced and ready to start immediately if you can live with some holding penalties. He’s not a potential playmaker in William Jackson’s class, but he’ll provide good run support, smart underneath zone coverage and enough speed to run with most receivers. Apple is not Norman, but he comes at a fraction of the price, and he fills a major need the Panthers didn’t know they had until last Wednesday.

Second Round (62): Sterling Shepard, wide receiver, Oklahoma

 

[Ricky Spanish]

I'm ok with this I guess.

I honestly haven't paid any attention to the draft these past few years. Now that we aren't picking in the top 10 consistently, our selection is a total crapshoot so I have no prospects to fall in love with in the first because chances are they won't be available when we pick. 

[nctarheel0619]

This would be a home run in my opinion.  

Like a Messi type of goal.

Like an Aaron Gordon type of dunk.

An Aaron Rodgers type of Hail Mary pass.

A Jonathan Stewart stiff arm.  If you will.  

[Jeremy Igo]

Good second round pick. Don't see Apple happening though. Gettleman won't go CB in round 1. I suspect DT. 

[Fenrir]

Given Gettleman's love of pass rushers and a strong Dline, I don't think he addresses corner in the first. I think if a Lawson, Dodd, Ogbah, etc. is there, that will be the pick. Might even select a DT to reinforce that position. 

[Nick_81]

I want that 2nd round pick to happen!  I have to agree with Jeremy though, I'm thinking DL in the first.

[SOJA]

21 minutes ago, nctarheel0619 said:

 

The Panthers secondary went from a strength to a weakness after Josh Norman's departure.

 

this is simply not true- our secondary was NOT our strength heading into this season- even with Josh

[nctarheel0619]

1 minute ago, SOJA said:

this is simply not true- our secondary was NOT our strength heading into this season- even with Josh

He said a strength, which in my view, it was.  With the addition of Boykin, and anybody that has any type of speed taking over for Harper.  It would've been a position of strength going into the season, AKA something we wouldn't have to worry about.

But, since Norman is gone.  It for sure looks weak as fug on paper.  

[Riverboat Ron]

6 minutes ago, Jeremy Igo said:

Good second round pick. Don't see Apple happening though. Gettleman won't go CB in round 1. I suspect DT. 

1. BPA DT

2. Germain Ifedi

3. Derrick Henry

4. BPA DE

 

Based on meetings and "expert" values this is the feeling I'm getting. How much is smokescreen? Nobody knows except Gettleman but either way people will complain. The Ifedi pick would be hard to swallow since we like Daryl Williams and have Mike Remmers and Michael Oher but considering both our OT's are free agents next year it would be a position of future need. 

[Jeremy Igo]

3 hours ago, Riverboat Ron said:

1. BPA DT

2. Germain Ifedi

3. Derrick Henry

4. BPA DE

 

Based on meetings and "expert" values this is the feeling I'm getting. How much is smokescreen? Nobody knows except Gettleman but either way people will complain. The Ifedi pick would be hard to swallow since we like Daryl Williams and have Mike Remmers and Michael Oher but considering both our OT's are free agents next year it would be a position of future need. 

I don't believe they have Ifedi as a first round talent. 

[The NFL Shield At Midfield]

i can feel it in my bones.  the first round pick is going to be a wtf and it's going to be a colorful couple of days on the huddle.

[SupercaMVP]

26 minutes ago, Jeremy Igo said:

Good second round pick. Don't see Apple happening though. Gettleman won't go CB in round 1. I suspect DT. 

Do you think one of the Alabama DT's are a possibility in the 1st? Or just Butler?

[Jeremy Igo]

3 hours ago, SupercaMVP said:

Do you think one of the Alabama DT's are a possibility in the 1st? Or just Butler?

Just Butler. 

[Toker Smurf]

25 minutes ago, Jeremy Igo said:

Just Butler. 

What about Ryan Kelly? Any chance we take him and groom him for a year to replace Kalil? Would save money after this season and he mentioned him in the press conference.